NAIROBI, July 30 -- Countries in the Horn of Africa are set to experience weather anomalies in the next week, the climate prediction agency of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, said Tuesday.

The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Center (ICPAC) said that heavy rainfall that would lead to floods is expected over parts of central, eastern and western Sudan, central and southern South Sudan, Eritrea, northern and north-eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, northern Uganda and western Kenya.

"Communities in the areas at risk are advised to exercise caution during this period," ICPAC said. On the other hand, less than usual rainfall is expected over parts of eastern and western South Sudan, south-western Sudan, and a few regions in central and western Ethiopia.

The agency said that elevated levels of heat stress are expected in northern Sudan, northeastern Ethiopia and the coastal regions of Eritrea, Djibouti, and Sudan.

Similarly, high temperatures (above 32 degrees Celius) are expected in northern Sudan, northeastern Ethiopia and coastal regions of Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti and north-western Somalia.

"Warmer than usual temperatures expected over most parts of the Greater Horn of Africa. Cooler than usual temperatures expected over central Sudan and parts of northeastern Ethiopia and Somalia," ICPAC said.

According to ICPAC, the Horn of Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, which has led to increased highly erratic rainfall, higher temperatures, heat stress, droughts and floods.

In 2023, more than 300 people died and over 1 million more were displaced by heavy rainfall in the region.

  - Xinhua